MIAMI, Florida, Feb. 23 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ignoring a letter signed by 44 members of the State House of Representatives Friday, Florida State Attorney Katherine Rundle issued a statement indicating that no decision has been made on the filing of criminal charges against abortionist Pierre Renelique and others involved in the intentional murder of a baby born alive during a botched abortion at a Hialeah abortion clinic.

Rundle's statement was in response to a press conference held by Rev. Pat Mahoney, Director of the Washington, DC based Christian Defense Coalition calling on her to bring criminal charges.

Rundle said in part, "While we understand the emotional perception that this is an 'easy matter' nothing could be further from the truth. The legal and ethical requirements that we be able to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt dictate that we thoroughly complete our investigation before we come to a legal decision in this matter."

"Ms. Rundle's statement implying we are 'emotional' is insulting to those of us who have fought for justice for Baby Shanice Denise Osbourne for over two and a half years. Maybe a little emotion from the State Attorney's office might help her understand the need for justice in this tragic murder of a defenseless baby," said Operation Rescue Senior Policy Advisor Cheryl Sullenger.

"We have seen the results of two autopsy reports that indicate that Baby Shanice had air in her lungs and was born alive, and that the actions Renelique and his unlicensed workers caused the baby's death. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a legal expert to understand that from the available evidence."

Renelique did not show up for a scheduled abortion, causing Shanice to be born alive. Belkis Gonzalez, an unlicensed abortion worker, cut Shanice's umbilical cord common office scissors. Shanice was still breathing and moving when she was shoved into a trash bag and tossed in the trash. Her body was later hidden on the roof of the abortion clinic. Renelique's medical license was revoked earlier this month because of this case.

Forty-four members of the Florida House signed a letter urging Rundle to criminally charge those responsible for Shanice's death.

"If Ms. Rundle won't do her job and bring these killers to justice, it is time to go over her head to the State Attorney General's office," said Sullenger. "We appreciate the efforts of the House members and Rev. Mahoney in calling attention to this heinous crime. We urge those who, like us, are concerned about the value of each human life, to contact Attorney General Bill McCollum and ask that he assign a prosecutor that will hold Shanice's killers accountable for her death."

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.